Overall, Ducey plans to spend $114 million in new money on K-12 schools next year, spread among a dozen areas. Of that, $14 million would go to pay raises that would amount to $182 for a teacher who makes the state’s average salary ($45,500).

That ought to stop the stampede out of Arizona’s classrooms. Teacher shortage. Schmeacher shortage.

What Ducey could have proposed

I know Ducey’s in a tough spot because money's tight due to a quarter century of tax cuts and due to the fact that he wants to continue cutting taxes every year.

But Ducey could have proposed delaying previously approved corporate tax cuts set to be phased in next year, allowing him to double his proposed investment in public education. Even freezing automatic 20 percent increases in the corporate tax credit that funds private school tuition would have signaled a commitment to public education.

BOOST TEACHER PAY. Ducey promised a “permanent, lasting salary increase to all of Arizona’s teachers … above and beyond raises they may be receiving from Prop. 123, or overrides, or from their districts.” Photo by Getty Images

ELIMINATE TEACHER DEBT. Ducey wants to encourage the “best and brightest” to become teachers by paying their education costs and guaranteeing them a job upon graduation. Photo by Getty Images/TongRo Image Stock RF

FORGIVE STUDENT LOANS FOR STEM TEACHERS. Ducey also didn’t elaborate on this one, but presumably it’s to retain more science, technology, engineering and math teachers. Photo by David Wallace/The Republic

SUPPORT ACHIEVE60AZ. Ducey didn’t explain how, but he has previously urged support of the effort to ensure 60 percent of Arizonans have college degrees or certificates by 2030. Photo by Stacie Scott/The Republic